Dental Inlays and Onlays
Compared to other procedures, such as crowns, inlays and onlays can be considered a more conservative approach to restoration. They repair rear teeth that have been damaged due to mild or moderate tooth decay, or for teeth that have been cracked. Depending on the situation, composite resin, porcelain and even gold can sometimes be used to create inlays and onlays.
The difference between the two comes in placement. An inlay refers to where bonded material is limited to the center of the tooth, where onlays can have bonded material that extend further out to one or more cusps of the tooth.
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
- Natural look: Inlays and onlays have a natural tooth color that makes them virtually invisible
- Great fit: Inlays and onlays will not expand or contract based on temperature like metal fillings.
- Longevity: Inlays and onlays can last up to thirty years, longer than any other type of filling.
- Minimal tooth structure removed: Inlays and onlays require the minimal removal of a tooth’s surface, helping to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring decayed or damaged areas.
How it’s done:
In your first visit, your Auburn MA dentist will prepare and then take an impression of the tooth which will be sent to a dental laboratory to create the final product. Before you leave this day, a temporary will be placed to protect the tooth between visits.
At your second appointment, the temporary will be removed, and the new, final inlay or onlay recently received from the laboratory will be placed.
To see if inlays and onlays are the solutions for you, call us today at (508) 987-8125 or Click Here to schedule an appointment.
